Applying Successfully for Graduate Scholarship Funding

2.
This presentation reviews the processes and application materials for the annual Tri-Agency / Affiliated Fellowships competition administered by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. This competitionprovides an example of a competitive, graduate-level scholarship competition. This competition has agreat deal in common with other graduate scholarship competitions, though some details will differ.

9.
CitizenshipInternational students are eligible to apply only tothe Affiliated Fellowships competition.International students are not eligible for theNSERC, SSHRC, or CIHR competitions* *exception: Vanier Scholarships

10.
Research AreaNatural sciences and engineering OR Social sciences and humanities OR Health sciences

11.
Months of Study• Each award types has restrictions on the number of months of study you have completed as of a certain date• Limits and dates are different for each agency, so pay careful attention

12.
Where to Submit• Where you submit your application depends on the funding agency and your current registration status• Options: • Current university • Former university • Directly to funding agency• Make sure you get it right!

13.
Deadlines• Make sure you know which deadline applies to you • Deadline to grad program vs. deadline to agency • Signature deadlines• Do not submit after the deadline – your application will not be accepted

15.
Selection CriteriaResearch ability or potential• quality of contributions to research and development;• relevance of work experience and academic training to field of proposed research;• significance, feasibility, and merit of proposed research, and justification for location of tenure;• critical thinking, problem-solving skills, originality

16.
Selection CriteriaCommunication, interpersonal and leadershipabilities• ability or potential to communicate scientific concepts clearly and logically in written and oral formats• professional and relevant extracurricular interactions and collaborations• work experience, community involvement and other extracurricular activities

18.
Application Form• Like a résumé: make a good impression• Fill in everything that applies to you• Most forms are online (you’ll need to create a username and password)• Three key things to remember: • Follow the instructions • Follow the instructions • Follow the instructions

19.
Common CV• Some funding agencies use Common CV (www.ccv-cvc.ca)• Follow instructions• Can be finicky when creating PDF file to upload to application form – keep trying

20.
Research Proposal• One- to two-page summary of research you plan to do while funded• Samples available on Grad Studies website http://www.grad.ubc.ca/prospective- students/scholarships-awards-funding/resources- award-applicants

21.
Research Proposal• Significance/relevance of research question• Hypothesis to be tested• Match between research question and methodology• Not too big and not too small• Write for non-experts• Font size and page margins

22.
Transcripts• Official transcripts• All postsecondary studies (including programs undertaken but not completed)• Talk to your graduate program about which transcripts they need from you

24.
Ethics and Integrity• Application must be an accurate picture of applicant • Beware of hyperbole and embellishment • Give credit where credit is due • Review Tri-Agency Framework: Responsible Conduct Of Research (http://www.rcr.ethics.gc.ca/eng/policy- politique/framework-cadre/)• Who should write the research proposal? • Applicant alone? • Applicant together with supervisor?• Consequences

25.
Last Advice• Check your spelling• Be careful about formatting (font sizes, margins, etc.)• Have others read your application• Follow the instructions *This is a very important project, and I am the very best person to do it*